Careers at Drexel

Job Summary

Drexel University’s Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering (CAEE) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to continue advanced research at the intersection of building technology, environmental sensing, and artificial intelligence.

The position contributes to a funded project supported by the William Penn Foundation, which aims to model and mitigate environmental burdens—specifically fine particulate matter, heat, and humidity—in Philadelphia neighborhoods. The fellow will extend existing research in AI- and data-driven modeling of building systems by developing algorithms and tools that interpret large datasets from distributed sensor networks to predict and improve indoor environmental quality.

Essential Functions

• Develop and refine AI- and machine learning–based models linking measured environmental data to building characteristics, HVAC operation, and occupant behavior.
• Lead the calibration, validation, and deployment of indoor and outdoor sensors measuring PM₂.₅, temperature, relative humidity, and CO₂ in residential buildings.
• Integrate sensor datasets into the modeling framework to project indoor exposure and simulate building performance under varying environmental and control conditions.
• Create and manage data pipelines for real-time quality assurance, cloud-based storage, and automated analytics.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and community partners to interpret results and develop communication tools that transform technical outputs into actionable building guidance.
• Prepare technical reports, journal articles, and presentations summarizing findings for sponsors and scholarly dissemination.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students contributing to the project’s sensing, modeling, and analysis tasks.
• Participate in proposal writing and related activities to expand externally funded research in AI-integrated building science.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Architectural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Physics, or a related discipline or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 1.5 years of experience.  
• Demonstrated expertise in building energy or air quality modeling, environmental sensing, or machine learning for built environments.
• Proficiency in Python for data processing and modeling.
• Strong quantitative, statistical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with low-cost sensor calibration, field deployment, and large environmental datasets.
• Familiarity with indoor air quality processes, HVAC systems, and occupant behavior modeling.
• Experience in in AI/ML applications to building or environmental systems.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking

Location

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade K. Compensation for this grade ranges from $54,630.00 - $81,940.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.